Poems From The Porch
Dana Manly Art LLC
The tractor is sallying forth this morning,
like a standard bearer beckoning the egrets to follow it.
This mechanical stallion leads them to their provision, but first, a way must be cleared, obstacles torn down.
Like the shimmering white birds, my deepest sustenance appears when I heed the call of my heart, stand under Love’s banner, and allow the hindrances of my pride to be removed.
It only feels like a battle ground when I resist the summons to align, try to conquer and subdue, and view my life as a war zone replete with enemies, mine fields, and casualties.
Yet the carnage disappears when I submit to Love as my captain, for the secret that every warrior knows is that trusting your pride leads to defeat.
Engaging With The Poem
Poetry can be a doorway to the soul and your own creativity. Throughout the ages, the written word has been used as a means to access personal truth and as a vehicle for prayer through the practice of sacred reading (lectio divina). I encourage you to try this beautiful practice and let its fruits be self-evident.
How to Practice Sacred Reading
· READ · REFLECT · RESPOND · REST
Read the passage through slowly more than once, noticing how it feels in your body and the response of your heart.
Reflect: What word resonates with you? What phrase speaks to you? What overall personal meaning comes to you? Allow yourself to follow a tangent.
Respond by making space for the prayer of your heart to manifest. Write down the words and/or phrases that resonate with you and allow them to arrange themselves into your own poem or prayer.
Rest with your eyes closed, perhaps using the word that most resonates with you as your mantra for silent meditation.
Dear friend,
May your mind be peaceful and calm, may your body be relaxed and comfortable, and may your heart be filled with love.
Thank you for reading.
Blessings and gratitude, Ani
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